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IndiGo Flight Operation Crisis: Thousands of passengers across the country have faced difficulties due to the severe breakdown of flight operations of IndiGo Airlines. Due to cancellation of hundreds of flights, people have had to postpone their travels. Now an advisory has been issued for passengers by Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
IndiGo Flight Operation Crisis: Amidst the IndiGo crisis, great news has emerged. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has issued an advisory for passengers. The airport said that Indigo’s flight services are now gradually returning to normal, whereas a day earlier the airline had canceled more than 1,000 flights from Delhi alone. The airport management said that the situation is now moving towards normalcy. Passengers must check the latest status of their flight before leaving home. On Friday, Indigo had canceled all domestic flights from Delhi Airport till 12 midnight. The airline described this as its most serious situation so far. IndiGo CEO Peter Elbers said in a video message that the situation was at its worst on December 5 and more than 1,000 flights had to be cancelled. He apologized to the passengers and expressed hope that the situation will become completely normal between December 10 and 15.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu clearly said that there was a big lapse in IndiGo’s crew management regarding the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules, which created huge chaos. The minister said that DGCA had implemented new rules from November 1, on which other airlines (like Air India and SpiceJet) are working successfully. He said, ‘Whatever happened is the lack of team management of IndiGo. To provide relief to passengers, Indigo has been given temporary relaxation so that flights can be normalised.
What discount did Indigo get?
DGCA has given one-time exemption to IndiGo from the new rules for night duty of pilots. This relaxation will remain applicable till 10 February 2026. Under this, the strict restrictions on duty from 12 midnight to 6:50 am have been temporarily removed. Pilot’s leave will be considered as weekly rest. This step has been taken in view of the shortage of pilots in Indigo and the problems being faced by the passengers.
A relief advisory has been issued by IGI Airport regarding the flight operations of Indigo. (Photo/PTI)
Why was the Pilot Association angry?
ALPA i.e. Airlines Pilots Association of India has objected to the decision of DGCA. He says that laxity in safety rules can set a dangerous example. Indigo holds 63% market share in the country. Due to cancellation of flights on such a large scale, thousands of passengers got stranded and there was an uproar on this issue in the Parliament too.
What instructions did the central government give?
Meanwhile, the Central Government has given special instructions to Indigo Management. Orders have been given to immediately give refund to the passengers. Instructions were also given to take necessary steps to ensure that such chaos does not happen in future. After continuous turmoil, Indigo flights are gradually being restored, but it may take a few days for the situation to become completely normal.
